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Oil Rigs, Cuddle Clubs & More News

The top Seattle news stories you should be reading today

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If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: Pronto Cycle Share announced Monday that self-serve helmet bins will become a permanent part of its bike-sharing system. Previously, the helmet bins operated on the honor system; riders will now have to enter a code to receive a helmet. Annual Pronto users will be able to access helmets for free while 24-hour and three-day users will have to pay $2 per pass period. Pronto is the first bike-share company in North America to provide helmets at every station. For more information visit prontocycleshare.com

Seattle vs. “Seattle”: Amazon’s “Life in Seattle” recruiting video is viral thanks to local efforts. The Northwest-is-best video is the subject of two parodies: one by Sub Pop Records and the other by Seattle rapper Spekulation. The orginal paints Seattle as a quirky, easy-going utopia full of smiles and sun-drenched outdoorsiness. The parodies are a little grungier. “If you’re rich in Seattle, you’ll love it!” says a Spekulation voiceover. Sub Pop’s version is particularly Seattle-esque: “The stress levels here are suuuuuper chill,” says one woman, taking a drag on her vape pen. 

Harbor Wars: Royal Dutch Shell is parking two Arctic oil drilling rigs in the Seattle harbor, according to the Associated Press. The Noble Discoverer and Polar Pioneer will come to Terminal 5 despite protests from residents and concerns over appropriate use permits. The Port of Seattle leased Shell’s parent company, Foss Maritime, 50 acres of space in Terminal 5 in early January. However, city officials argue that the terminal’s permit only allows for cargo operations. Shell is parking the rigs regardless; both should arrive within the week. 

Good news for soccer and LEGO fans: Toy company OYO Sports is now selling Sounders FC mini-figures. For $12.99 you can purchase a collectible “Mystery Fan” figure, complete with a miniature Sounders scarf, water bottle, and team logo stand. Each MLS-licensed package contains one of three figures. Collect all three at Amazon, Lids, or OYO Sports (heads up- they’re cheapest if you buy directly from the manufacturer!).

No more free hugs: West Seattle now has its very own Cuddle Club, according to King 5. Professional cuddler Lashanna Williams opened The Cuddle Club on Fauntleroy Way to create a space for people to feel safe and nurtured. Women’s Health Mag says cuddling can lower stress, raise serotonin levels, and even strengthen your immune system. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, you can come and cuddle with Williams starting at $45 per session. For more information or to book an appointment visit cuddleclubseattle.com.

 

Rearview Mirror: Crocodile Guardians, Late-Summer Potato Salad, and a Halloween Costume Hunt

Rearview Mirror: Crocodile Guardians, Late-Summer Potato Salad, and a Halloween Costume Hunt

Things I did, saw, ate, learned, or read in the past week (or so).

COOKING WITH ASTER PANTRY A few leaves turn, my inbox fills with fall festival pitches and cozy brunch menus, and suddenly I want to stay home with a glass of wine and cook. I love this nesting season, though I’m not ready to give up summer produce. Earlier this year, I wrote about Seattle chefs…

WALKDONTRUN Returns This Saturday, Turning Downtown Seattle Into a Sprawling Art Show

WALKDONTRUN Returns This Saturday, Turning Downtown Seattle Into a Sprawling Art Show

In its second year, the free festival brings 200-plus artists to a 20-block route September 19, with a secret garden and a former 7-Eleven stocked with art.

Most walks through downtown Seattle involve trying to get somewhere. On September 19, the crosswalk itself might be the reason to stop. Heap Troupe will turn a four-way crossing into a performance, one of dozens of encounters planned for this year’s WALKDONTRUN. The free, all-ages art walk stretches across more than 20 blocks. From 11…

At Two Dot Schoolhouse, Ruth Marie Tomlinson Builds an Artistic Community

At Two Dot Schoolhouse, Ruth Marie Tomlinson Builds an Artistic Community

For nearly 20 years, the Seattle artist and her husband have welcomed artists, writers, and musicians to a historic Montana schoolhouse. Now they’re searching for its next stewards. 

At her solo exhibition last year at The Vestibule, Seattle artist Ruth Marie Tomlinson presented a new series of work inspired by her close readings of British nature writer J.A. Baker’s The Peregrine and Icelandic author Sjón’s The Blue Fox. As if on sheets torn from a sketchbook, her pages included excerpts and outtakes of…

Rearview Mirror: Seahawks Off the Field, Seattle on the Board, and Smoked Oysters

Rearview Mirror: Seahawks Off the Field, Seattle on the Board, and Smoked Oysters

Things I did, saw, ate, learned, or read in the past week (or so).

HOOKED ON KNOCKS Admittedly, I am late to this one. The Seahawks’ first season of Hard Knocks, the HBO series that follows NFL teams through training camp, premiered in August, but until last week, I had never heard of it. To be honest, my football knowledge starts with knowing what a touchdown is and doesn’t…